(Regional)-The week of May 6th-12th is officially known as National Nurses Week. Both the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) and Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff have found ways to recognize and honor the dedicated men and women of their health care facilities who serve as nurses. Below is a letter from the VA BHHCS Associate Director for Patient Care Services related to this week of celebration.

“This week, May 6th-12th, the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) honors the dedicated men and women we consider to be the compassionate backbone of the Veterans’ health care system – nurses.

“I am delighted to acknowledge this group of individuals who have mastered the art and science of caring for our nation’s heroes with compassion – a celebration of the VA’s nursing workforce, professionals comprised of registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses and nursing assistants. I know that veterans truly value and appreciate our nurses and their dedication and devotion as much as I do.

“VA nurses truly reflect the theme of this year’s National Nurses Week – Nurses: Delivering Quality & Innovation in Patient Care. They make a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their families and the lives of all of us here at VA BHHCS.

“Everyone enrolled in our healthcare system, nearly 19,000 veterans, is touched by a nurse. Our nurses are driven to continually improve the quality of care they provide to patients, and they constantly seek out opportunities to obtain advanced training and education to improve their skills. This is why VA nurses are among the best trained and best educated in the world, and we intend to keep it that way. For that reason, our nurses are recognized and honored with local, regional and national awards throughout the year.

“I ask that you join me in celebrating National Nurses Week. I wholeheartedly thank you all for honoring those who make a difference – our VA nurses.”

Jo-Ann Ginsberg, RN, MSN

Associate Director for Patient Care Services

VA Black Hills Health Care System

Eight nurses were recognized on Thursday, May 2nd for outstanding service to patients and coworkers in celebration of National Nurses Week at Regional West Medical Center.

Nursing award winners were selected in each of eight categories that represent nursing leadership. The award winners were nominated by colleagues and nursing students.

Amie Black, RN, of Sidney, Neb., was honored as the winner of the Nebraska Nurses Association District V “My Favorite Nurse” contest. She was nominated by a coworker for being “a nursing role model to the staff at Sidney Regional Medical Center.”

The nomination described Black’s compassion and generosity when she cared for a small child who was dirty and “had a look on her face of hardship.”

The nomination read: “Amie felt for this little girl and her living situation. She spent her own time and money, ran to the store and purchased new clothing and a toothbrush for the child. When Amie presented the new clothes to the girl, I have never seen a smile so sincere; the young child stated: ‘I have never owned my own toothbrush before.’”

The awards, presented as part of National Nurses Week, raise awareness of the value of nursing and help educate the public about the role nurses play in meeting the health care needs of the American people.